Crime & Safety
646 Cited After Anti-Trump Protest Blocks I-94 In MPLS: Photos
The protest began on the streets of Minneapolis but ended up on Interstate 94, blocking the freeway near Riverside on Wednesday night.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Hundreds of people protesting President Donald Trump's premature claim of election victory were arrested late Wednesday and early Thursday after demonstrators went onto Interstate 94.
Minnesota State Patrol troopers and Minneapolis police officers say they cited and released 646 people after the demonstration, which began on the streets of Minneapolis, ended up on I-94, blocking the freeway near Riverside.
Six vehicles were also towed. Police say no force or chemicals were used, and no protesters or law enforcement officers were injured.
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Troopers continue to arrest protestors on I-94 at Riverside Avenue. Walking on the freeway is illegal and very dangerous for pedestrians and motorists. We respect the right of everyone to express themselves under the First Amendment, but the freeway is not a place to do that.
— MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) November 5, 2020
The protests were against Trump and his attempts to claim re-election victory before all ballots have been counted.
I-94 was closed between I-35W and Highway 280 when protesters entered the freeway at about 8 p.m. The highway reopened just before 1:30 a.m.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Under Minnesota law, it is illegal for pedestrian, bicycle or non-motorized traffic to be on the freeway," the Minnesota Department of Safety said in a release. "In addition, walking on the freeway is very dangerous for pedestrians and drivers, especially after dark."
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